The Power Ranger, aka What Could Go Wrong?

[DavidM]

David and I did a similar route on our post-grad cross country trip.  If you have the time, I would strongly recommend going through Yellowstone and foregoing Mt Rushmore (if you are shifting the route a little to go by Mt Rushmore).  We were excited about seeing it and it was a fairly 'meh' stop.  You can't get very close, and it looks exactly like every photo you've seen, IMO

Hmm, good to know. I'll take a look at the route options and see what I can do. Rushmore appeals to me mostly because it's literally on the route (I-90) but if I can stop by Yellowstone and not add a ton of time, I would do that. Thanks!

Haha, was going to say the exact same thing when I saw the route.  Even if you don't think you can spare the time to get to Yellowstone (even half a day would be worth it) I'd suggest skipping Mt Rushmore and taking a slight detour through the Badlands, its mostly driving so you won't lose much time but much more interesting.